Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) is likely to form a presidential exploratory committee, two advisers said Thursday. The committee could be formed as soon as May but no later than June.

"The size and enthusiasm of the crowds she has been attracting is very encouraging,” said Ed Brookover, a consultant to Bachmann. “The voters are telling her to keep pushing forward with her fight to stop this unparalleled growth of government.”

I think you are right. Maybe Bachmann, Santorum and even Pawlenty are looking for the VP slot. Pawlenty looks like the only one with any chance for a VP slot amongst that bunch and I don't see Romney picking him. Maybe Palin or Gingrich would?

NONE of them would pick Bachmann or Pawlenty as VP. Minnesota does nothing for a presidential ticket.

Bachmann has not said for sure that she's running. She's probably waiting to see who else jumps in first. If Palin doesn't run, I think it is certain that Bachmann will be on the stage. This may actually speed up the process for Palin. If she wants to run, she needs to get moving in the next month or two. If Bachmann runs, and Palin doesn't, it puts Palin in a tough spot. Most would assume that Palin would want to back a winner. Bachmann cannot win the nomination, period.

AJR, Bachmann can't beat Klobuchar in 2012 either. No Republican can in a presidential election year. Remember, she's from the most conservative district in the state. McCain/Palin carried it by 9 points, while losing the state by 11.

I like Bachmann as my rep, but she doesn't have the firepower some think she has for a national race. Trust me.

"I wonder how come only Palin supporters have commented that Bachmann cannot win the nomination? Personally, I would vote for Bachmann over Palin."

I don't know Anon...maybe because no one thinks she can. I have nothing against Bachmann but I just don't think she can win the nomination.

I really think the nomination will come down to Romney or Palin (with Pawlenty possibly being the dark horse). I don't think that Huck is going to run. I actually think that Palin's odds of running are 50-50. If she doesn't run then I think Romney has the nomination wrapped up.

I do look forward to when the nomination process is over so we can unite against Obama and the Dems. It is ten months away and I am already tired of the back and forth gotcha bickering.

I could see alliances forming as well. I don't know if that has happened in recent cycles but it could be very interesting to see. Who could you see allied with who and why?

The only one I can think of right now is a Palin/Giuliani alliance. Giuliani has been making noise about entering the race but I can't see him winning the nomination. I could see him taking votes from Romney, which would help Palin. I can't recall Giuliani ever saying anything negative about Palin and I do remember him defending her at times in the past. Just a thought.

I keep forgetting that you are from Minnesota so you would know more about Bachmann's chances than I would. Do you think she would have a better chance against Franken in 2014 or should she just stay in the House? How popular is Franken in MN?

Michelle Bachmann is my second favorite politician. TPM through and through. She and Palin have more guts than most other Republican politicians. I love having people running that I actually want to vote for.

That certainly makes sense especially for some of the 2nd tier candidates like Bachmann, Santorium and even Pawlenty. Is Pawlenty 1st tier, 2nd tier or something like 1.5 tier? Not exactly sure where to place him.

I am quite sure Romney would not pick palin to be the veep. He would want a running mate, who has the experience, the smarts and yes, the bearings to be president. Mitt is not a quitter. Palin is a quitter.

Can there ever be a single post where it doesn't end up being Palin sucks! Romney sucks! Anybody but my candidate sucks!? I guess not. I was enjoying the conversation in this post but alas it was too good to last.